Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
based coats are more durable, but make the sheep sweat during warm weather
or close confi nement. Woven polyethylene sheep coats have been found to
be the most practical during large-scale tests in Australia. Being woven, they
allow the wool to “breathe,” so hot weather is no problem. Because they par-
tially protect wool from rain, the coats minimize fl eece rot and skin disease,
according to Australian fi ndings (see Resources for suppliers).
Coats are put on the sheep right after shearing. If you are wondering how
they will affect the wool of your particular breed, try putting covers on a few
of your sheep. Compare with uncovered fl eeces after a year.
The patterns shown at left can be made from woven-plastic feed sacks,
with heavy, wide elastic used for the leg loops. This material resembles the
most satisfactory of the commercial variety.
When using these coats for young, growing sheep of a long-wooled breed,
check the fi t often to be sure that the coat is not becoming too tight. Elastic,
rather than fabric, loops for fastening are better for this reason, although the
elastic does wear more quickly and will need replacing annually.
Shearing
Shearing is a major job that has to be done every year on most breeds of sheep.
(If you're not interested in wool production and don't want to have to shear,
look at the hair breeds.) In Australia, scientists are working on a chemical that
causes sheep to shed their wool. The chemical is a naturally occurring protein
that's administered as an injection. After the injection, the sheep are covered
with a hair net that collects the fl eece. The protein causes the fl eece to break
off near the skin surface, and a day later the sheep begin to grow a new fl eece.
Although not yet available in North America, it may some day make shearing
a much less onerous task for everyone involved — including the sheep.
In the meantime, shearing can be done manually with good old hand
shears or with electric clippers. Either way, shearing is a skill that takes prac-
tice to perfect and requires good endurance. Professional shearers make it
look really easy and can shear a sheep in just a few minutes, but they've had
lots of practice.
Areas where there are still lots of small fl ocks often have professional
shearers available. We've sheared our own sheep and have hired one of these
people, and my current recommendation for most small-scale shepherds is to
go the professional route, if a reputable shearer is available where you live.
On the other hand, Paula and Patrick preferred shearing their own sheep (and
those of their neighbors) with hand shears or blades. If you decide to hire a
